The 49ers determined on Saturday that running back Joe Williams’ ankle injury is more serious than what he believed after the team’s final exhibition game.
The 49ers placed Williams on season-ending injured reserve with an ankle injury. Williams was a fourth-round draft pick but struggled at times during training camp.
"It's just a little sprain," Williams told NBC Sports Bay Area after the 49ers’ exhibition finale on Thursday night. "Nothing serious. It's something I've been nursing, just taking care of it every day."
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But all indications are that the 49ers found the injury to be more serious than Williams previously believed. His ankle was badly swollen on Friday when he reported to the team's facility the morning after the game.
Guard Joshua Garnett was also placed on season-ending injured reserve. Garnett, a first-round draft pick in 2016, underwent knee surgery early in training camp.